Describing his new production direction as "poppy, upbeat and a little corny but still hot," Hi-Tek is taking his new disc in a mainstream direction while being careful not to alienate his traditional hip-hop fan base.

Hi-Tek also tells Billboard.com he's in talks with Kweli to record a follow-up to the pair's 2002 album, "Reflection Eternal: Train of Thought." However, Hi-Tek says Kweli wanted to focus on his own new album, "Eardrum," first.

Hi-Tek made a name for himself in the mid-'90s as a producer for Rawkus Records and most recently produced tracks for 50 Cent and the Game.